Marine Corps Advances ARV Program with New Prototyping Phase, Intensifying Competition
The Marine Corps has initiated a second prototyping phase for its Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program, intensifying competition between General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems. Announced on April 1, the program involves the development of three pre-production ARV variations by 2028, including a command and control model with drone capabilities, a 30mm autocannon variant, and a logistics model. This initiative aims to replace the aging Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) platform, which has been in service since the 1980s. The ARV program is part of the Marine Corps' broader Force Design restructuring, which seeks to enhance the service's capabilities in global conflicts. Both companies are leveraging modular designs to meet the Marine Corps' requirements for a versatile, amphibious reconnaissance vehicle.